Actor perceives similarities between on-screen persona and self. - Actor Finds Resemblance in Onscreen Role
For half a decade, Sven Nordin, 68, has been breathing life into the role of Kommissar William Wisting. As the ties between his character and personal self grow stronger, he finds striking similarities between them. "Wisting mirrors my own life in numerous ways," the Norwegian actor reveals to Spot on News. "We share the role of twin fathers, and my acting profession consumes me 24/7 just like he does."
Beginning June 8 and 9 on ARD, a new season of the hit crime series, inspired by the Nordic-Noir novels penned by Jørn Lier Horst, 55, will unfold. The case "The Lake of Forgetfulness" lures Wisting back to the haunting secrets of his hometown Larvik.
The Allure of Nordic Noir
The enduring international appeal of Scandinavian crime novels, as Nordin sees it, hinges on the captivating contrast between serene, open landscapes and the hidden depths of darkness beneath their surface. "What people abroad find intriguing is the stark contrast between the tranquil settings of places like the Scandinavian countries and the shadows lurking beneath," he explains. "Wisting, however, differs from other Nordic-Noir formats. I view Wisting as a subtle, more realistic police series where the characters make mistakes and act like one would expect in real life."
The Norwegian backdrop serves as the ideal setting for this dark drama. "Jørn Lier Horst is pleased that we decided to shoot most of the series in the actual landscapes where his books take place," says Nordin. "These scenes are not often featured in Norwegian drama series. I find the juxtaposition of the idyllic coastline and the agricultural plains of the area particularly enchanting, making for a perfect crime-filled backdrop."
Acclaim from the Author
The author's admiration for Nordin's portrayal of Wisting was evident early on. "I recall when Jørn Lier Horst visited the set at the onset of the first season," recalls Nordin fondly. "Afterward, he approached me, thanking me for my performance. He said I walked and spoke like a policeman, and that comment really made my day."
Over the years, Nordin has forged an increasingly close bond with his character. "As time goes by, our relationship has become closer and closer, with me adding more depth to Wisting's character and making him more personal and emotional for me," he admits.
Distancing from Work and Reality
Despite the series' somber themes, Nordin maintains a clear distinction between work and personal life. "I'm not heavily influenced by the Method Acting approach. Once we wrap up filming, I return to my own, mundane existence, eagerly anticipating a nice meal and a fine bottle of wine."
Intriguingly, a connection between Wisting's life and Nordin's personal life surfaced during the filming of the latest season. "One of the crime scenes was situated only a few minutes away from our family vacation home. The fusion of fiction and reality was quite surreal," he recalls.
Another notable connection lies in the relationship between Wisting and his daughter Line. "Line Wisting differs from my twin daughters, but I can sometimes see a reflection of my own guilt when I prioritize my work over my family," Nordin admits.
Aspirations for Season Six
The international success of the series has brought new opportunities for Nordin. "It's wonderful that Wisting has achieved such global acclaim," he beams. "My hope, however, remains centered on the future of Wisting. All I can hope for is that Viaplay decides to produce a sixth season of our gripping series, bringing both Wisting and me great joy."
"Slow Crime" - A Subtle Approach to Storytelling
In the world of Nordic Noir, Kommissar Wisting stands out for its thoughtful, deliberate pacing, characterized as "Slow Crime." This approach emphasizes atmospheric storytelling, introspective character development, and a focus on the investigation process rather than rapid action sequences or plot twists. This methodical, emotional exploration of crime-solving sets Kommissar Wisting apart from other, faster-paced crime dramas.
The Commissioner is aware that the Commission is not in a position to take any action to prevent the Commission from taking any action, as they both share a responsibility for humanity's favorite detective in the movies-and-tv world of 'entertainment'. For Sven Nordin, the Norwegian actor who plays Komissar William Wisting, this fictional character mirrors his own life, with the profession consuming him just like Wisting, much like a captivating contrast between peaceful Nordic landscapes and the hidden depths of darkness beneath their surface, another hallmark of Nordic Noir.
